Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday Outing

Today was a nice fall day. I slept in a bit (first time since I do not know when!), then went out to Mitchell's Bay. I scanned the mudlflat and picked out the Marbled Godwit. Rather distant but unmistakable. Did not see the Snowy Egret though.

Snowy Egret (courtesy P. Allen Woodliffe)

I also walked the waterfront trail where many birds were milling about. Lots of warblers, vireos and sparrows plus an Indigo Bunting.

Palm Warbler at Algonquin

I then decided to go to Rondeau. A good east wind was blowing so I watched the lake at Dog Beach for almost 2 hours. Lots of activity, but nothing of note. A Peregrine Falcon came through stirring things up.

Yesterday, a Parasitic Jaeger was seen off the beach.

I walked a bit of south point trail as well. It is quite pleasant around mid-day to early afternoon on a sunny fall day. I found quite a few warblers and vireos. Eastern Phoebe and Peewee were the only flycatchers.

Back to my recent trip, I saw lots of Ruffed Grouse. Still could not find a Spruce. The last four trips have not revealed this species! This Ruffed wandered up to my supper table on Monday evening.

Red-breasted Nuthatches were very numerous at Algonquin. Not many are heading south this winter!